Israel Gaza War Live Updates: Day after ceasefire announcement, Israeli air strike hits Hezbollah facility

Israel Hezbollah War Live: Lebanon army says Israel violated ceasefire 'several times'

The Lebanese military forces stated on Thursday that Israel breached the truce "several times" following its implementation a day earlier, after over 13 months of conflict with Hezbollah forces.
"The Israeli enemy violated the deal several times," stated the military, referencing aerial bombardments and assaults on Lebanese soil using "various weapons".

Israel Hezbollah War Live: Some Lebanon hospitals look set to restart quickly after ceasefire, WHO says

A representative from the World Health Organisation expressed hope on Thursday regarding the reopening of several health facilities in Lebanon that were closed during the prolonged period of hostilities, contingent upon the maintenance of the ceasefire.

"Probably some of our hospitals will take some time, but some hospitals probably will be able to restart very quickly," Abdinasir Abubakar, WHO's representative in Lebanon told Reuters, during an online press briefing following a damage assessment conducted this week. "So we are very hopeful," he continued, indicating that four medical centres near and within Beirut were amongst those that could resume operations promptly.

Israel Hezbollah War Live: Israeli military says "A short time ago, terrorist activity was detected at a facility of the Hezbollah terrorist organization with medium-range rockets in southern Lebanon. The threat was foiled by a fighter jet attack."

Israel Hezbollah War Live: Egypt pushing Gaza ceasefire as Israel battles Hamas efforts to regroup

Israeli forces maintained their military activities in Jabalia, northern Gaza, confronting Hamas's attempts to reorganise, according to the Israel Defense Forces' Thursday statement. Simultaneously, Egyptian security officials were scheduled to visit Israel to facilitate discussions for a Gaza ceasefire agreement.

The IDF reported their troops identified and neutralised a terrorist who was preparing to launch rockets towards Israel from a location near an arms storage facility. The forces successfully surrounded the area, eliminated the threats and destroyed both the storage facility and rockets.

Following the implementation of a two-month Lebanon ceasefire, the Egyptian delegation aims to secure a similar arrangement in Gaza. Hamas expressed willingness to negotiate after the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire became effective on Wednesday morning.

On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that the Hezbollah ceasefire would create pressure on Hamas to reach an agreement.

Previous attempts by the US, Qatar and Egypt to negotiate a resolution to the conflict spanning nearly 14 months and secure the release of 101 hostages held by Hamas were unsuccessful.

Israel Hezbollah War Live: Day after ceasefire announcement, Israeli air strike hits Hezbollah facility

Israel and Hezbollah exchanged allegations of violations on Thursday, just one day after the US and French-brokered truce aimed at ending over a year of conflict in Lebanon.
The Israeli military reported breaches when suspected individuals, some travelling in vehicles, were spotted in multiple locations within the southern region.

Hezbollah representative Hassan Fadlallah countered with accusations against Israel.

"The Israeli enemy is attacking those returning to the border villages," Fadlallah stated to journalists after a parliamentary meeting, further noting, "there are violations today by Israel, even in this form".

According to state media and Lebanese security officials, Israeli tanks targeted six locations within the border area on Thursday morning, including Markaba, Wazzani, Kfarchouba, Khiyam, Taybe and the agricultural areas surrounding Marjayoun.

These locations are situated within two kilometres of the Blue Line, the official border demarcation between Lebanon and Israel. Security sources told Reuters that two individuals sustained injuries in Markaba.

Israel Hezbollah War Live: Lebanon says 2 hurt as Israeli troops fire on people returning south after truce with Hezbollah

Israeli forces injured at least two individuals in southern Lebanon, as reported by state media. The Israeli military confirmed firing upon individuals attempting to access specific areas during the second day of a ceasefire with Hezbollah militants.

The US and France-mediated agreement stipulates a preliminary two-month ceasefire, requiring Hezbollah militants to move north of the Litani River whilst Israeli forces retreat to their border. Lebanese military personnel and UN peacekeepers would patrol the established buffer zone.

According to Lebanon's National News Agency, Israeli fire wounded two people in Markaba near the border, though specific details were not provided. The agency also reported Israeli artillery fire in three additional border locations, with no casualties reported.

An Associated Press journalist positioned in northern Israel near the border observed Israeli drones overhead and heard artillery fire from the Lebanese territory.

The Israeli military issued a statement indicating that "several suspects were identified arriving with vehicles to a number of areas in southern Lebanon, breaching the conditions of the ceasefire." They confirmed that troops "opened fire toward them" and would "actively enforce violations of the ceasefire agreement."

Israeli authorities stated their forces would withdraw progressively whilst monitoring agreement compliance. They have cautioned against entering areas with troop deployment and maintain their right to engage Hezbollah should they breach the truce terms.

Israel Hezbollah War Live: Israeli military says air force struck Hezbollah facility in southern Lebanon

The Israel Defence Forces announced on Thursday that their aircraft targeted a Hezbollah storage site containing mid-range rockets in southern Lebanon. This marked the initial strike following the implementation of a ceasefire that began on Wednesday morning.

Israel Hezbollah War Live: Israel army announces nighttime curfew in south Lebanon

The Israel Defence Forces imposed a night-time restriction on movement in southern Lebanon on Thursday, following a day after the truce with the Iranian-supported Hezbollah militants took effect.

"It is strictly forbidden to move or travel south of the Litani River starting from 5:00 pm (1500 GMT) until 7:00 am tomorrow (Friday). Those south of the Litani River must remain where they are," military spokesman Avichay Adraee said in a post on X.

Israel Hezbollah War Live: Oil up as Israel says ceasefire violated, OPEC+ delays meeting

Oil prices increased on Thursday after Israel reported violations of its ceasefire with Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, leading to Israeli tanks firing on south Lebanon. Additionally, OPEC+ postponed its meeting where production cuts were expected to be discussed.

At 1251 GMT, Brent crude futures rose by 41 cents (0.6%) to $73.24 per barrel, whilst U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures increased by 35 cents (0.5%) to $69.07. Due to the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, trading activity remained limited.

Israeli military authorities reported ceasefire violations on Thursday, citing the presence of suspicious individuals and vehicles in multiple areas within the southern zone.

The agreement, which began on Wednesday, was established to facilitate the return of residents to their homes in border regions that had experienced 14 months of conflict.

Although the ongoing Middle East conflict, a significant oil-producing region, has not directly affected supply, traders continue to factor in risk premiums.

In other developments, OPEC+ rescheduled its next policy meeting from December 1 to December 5 to avoid scheduling conflicts with another event.

Price support also came from OPEC+ sources indicating further discussions about potentially delaying the planned January oil output increase.

Israel Hezbollah War Live: Israeli foreign minister looks to Washington to punish the ICC

On Thursday, Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar expressed his confidence that the United States would take action against the International Criminal Court following its issuance of arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister.

Israel has announced its intention to challenge the ICC's decision to proceed against Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant regarding alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza conflict.
During his diplomatic visit to the Czech Republic, Saar noted that several nations, particularly the United States, were troubled by this decision.

At a joint press conference with Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, Saar stated, "I tend to believe that in Washington, legislation is going to take place very shortly against the ICC and whoever cooperates with it."

Saar further stated that Israel would conclude the 14-month Gaza conflict once it accomplishes its goals of securing the release of Hamas-held hostages and ensuring the Islamist organisation loses control of the Palestinian territory.

He clarified that Israel had no intention to oversee civilian affairs in Gaza, adding that whilst peace was "inevitable," it could not be founded on "illusions."

Israel Hezbollah War Live: Israeli foreign minister says 'no justification' for ICC to take steps against Israeli leaders

In a joint media briefing with Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar firmly rejected the International Criminal Court's authority to issue arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, stating there was "no justification" for such actions.

Speaking to Reuters, Saar confirmed that Israel has challenged the decision, expressing concern about the precedent it establishes.

Regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Saar emphasised that operations would continue until Israel meets its key objectives: securing the release of Hamas-held hostages and ending the Iranian-backed group's control over the territory. He clarified that Israel has no intention to manage civilian affairs in Gaza and expressed his belief that whilst peace would ultimately prevail, it must be grounded in reality rather than "illusions."

Israel Hezbollah War Live: Lebanon army deploys under Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire

The Lebanese military dispatched soldiers and armoured vehicles throughout southern Lebanon on Thursday, as the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire maintained stability for its second consecutive day.

The conflict, which commenced following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulted in significant casualties in Lebanon and forced numerous residents to evacuate from both nations.

In September, Israel redirected its military operations from Gaza to Lebanon to protect its northern frontier from Hezbollah, inflicting substantial damage on the Iran-supported Shiite Muslim organisation.

The ceasefire agreement stipulated that only Lebanese military forces and UN peacekeepers would be permitted to maintain an armed presence in southern Lebanon, an area traditionally controlled by Hezbollah.

A source within the Lebanese army confirmed their forces were establishing checkpoints and conducting surveillance south of the Litani River, whilst avoiding areas where Israeli forces maintained their positions.

Residents of the border village Qlaaya welcomed Lebanese soldiers by showering them with rice and flowers.

"We only want the Lebanese army," the inhabitants of the Christian-majority village proclaimed, applauding the troops and displaying Lebanon's red, white and green flag.

Following the ceasefire's implementation on Wednesday, numerous Lebanese civilians returned to their communities, discovering extensive destruction upon their arrival.

Israel Hezbollah War Live: Israel says ceasefire with Hezbollah violated, fires on south Lebanon

Israeli tank fire struck six locations in southern Lebanon on Thursday, with the Israeli military reporting violations of the ceasefire with Hezbollah after detecting suspicious individuals and vehicles in several areas of the southern zone.

A US and French-mediated ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah came into effect on Wednesday, aiming to facilitate the return of residents to their homes in border regions devastated by 14 months of conflict.

The Israeli military cautioned residents against returning to border towns, citing safety concerns.

On Thursday morning, Israeli tanks targeted six areas within the border region, according to state media and Lebanese security officials.

The artillery strikes impacted Markaba, Wazzani, Kfarchouba, Khiyam, Taybe and the farming plains near Marjayoun, all situated within two kilometres of the Blue Line border demarcation between Lebanon and Israel. Security sources confirmed two individuals sustained injuries in Markaba.

Israel Hezbollah War Live: 17 killed as Israel intensifies bombing of central Gaza

Israeli military operations across Gaza resulted in at least 17 Palestinian casualties, according to medical sources. The operations intensified with increased bombardment in central regions whilst tanks advanced further into northern and southern territories.

The heightened military activity followed a day after the implementation of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, concluding over a year of conflict. This development sparked optimism amongst Gazans for a potential similar agreement with Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza.

In Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, two separate aerial attacks near Kamal Adwan hospital and on a residential building claimed six lives. Simultaneously, in southern Khan Younis, an Israeli strike on a motorcycle resulted in four fatalities.

Israeli aircraft conducted multiple strikes in Nuseirat, one of Gaza's historic refugee settlements, demolishing a tall building and targeting areas near mosques. These attacks resulted in seven casualties, as reported by health authorities.

Medical personnel confirmed that tank fire in western Nuseirat claimed two lives - a woman and a child. Additionally, an aerial bombardment of a nearby house resulted in five fatalities.

Israel Hezbollah War Live: Gaza health ministry says 9 killed in Israel strike

The Palestinian health ministry reported that an Israeli air strike on Wednesday claimed nine lives at a displaced persons' shelter in Al-Tabi'een School, situated in Gaza City's Daraj neighbourhood, whilst Israel maintained its offensive as Lebanon observed a ceasefire.

Israeli forces announced the elimination of a suspect in Gaza City, who was linked to a May 2002 attack that injured 10 civilians in Beersheba, Israel.

Additionally, the Israeli military confirmed conducting operations against numerous Hamas positions in northern Gaza, specifically targeting locations in the towns of Jabalia and Beit Lahia, which they designated as "combat zone".

Israel Hezbollah War Live: Hamas says it is committed to cooperate with any efforts for Gaza ceasefire

Hamas expressed its dedication on Wednesday to collaborate with initiatives aimed at establishing a ceasefire in Gaza, where the organisation has been engaged in combat with Israeli forces for over a year.

Following the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas released a statement emphasising that any similar arrangement in Gaza must result in the conclusion of hostilities and the subsequent removal of Israeli military forces from the Palestinian territory.

Israel Hezbollah War Live: Hezbollah proclaims 'victory' over Israel

The Iran-backed Hezbollah declared on Wednesday that it had secured a triumph against Israel, whilst maintaining its combatants were prepared for action. This marked their initial announcement following the implementation of a ceasefire between the opposing parties.

"Victory from God almighty was the ally of the righteous cause," the statement from the group proclaimed.

The organisation further emphasised that its personnel "will remain in total readiness to deal with the Israeli enemy's ambitions and its attacks", without explicitly addressing the ceasefire or its specific conditions.

The country also requested that the ICC suspend the warrants until the appeal is resolved, according to a statement from Netanyahu's office.

Israel Hamas War: France believes Netanyahu has immunity from ICC arrest warrant

France declared on Wednesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu likely holds immunity from International Criminal Court proceedings regarding alleged Gaza war crimes, citing Israel's non-participation in the court's statutory framework.

The French stance, announced following a US and French-mediated ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah, faced criticism from human rights organisations. Several nations, including Italy, have expressed doubts about the court's jurisdiction.

The French Foreign Ministry confirmed its intention to maintain close cooperation with Netanyahu.

The Paris administration took nearly seven days to establish its official position after the Hague-based court issued arrest warrants on November 21 for Netanyahu, his previous defence minister and a Hamas militant leader.

Israel denies authority, legitimacy of International Criminal Court's arrest warrants against PM Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Gallant

The Prime Minister of Israel noted that the State of Israel denies both the authority of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the legitimacy of the arrest warrants that have been issued against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

The follow-up posts, it was noted, "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met today, at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, with US Senator Lindsey Graham, who updated him on the efforts that he is advancing in the US Congress against the ICC and countries that have cooperated with it". Recently, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of "crimes against humanity and war crimes." The charges include allegations of targeting civilians and enforcing policies of starvation in Gaza. In the series of posts by the Israeli PM on X, it was also noted, "Parallel to the efforts in Congress, Israel submitted an announcement to the ICC today regarding its intention to appeal to the court along with a demand to delay implementation of the arrest warrants". The Israeli PM's official account also said, "Israel's notice of appeal shows in detail to what degree the decision to issue the arrest warrants was baseless and without any factual or legal foundation whatsoever". It observed, "Should the ICC reject the appeal, this will underscore to Israel's friends in the US and around the world how biased the ICC is against the State of Israel".

Israel appeals against ICC warrant for Netanyahu: PM office

Israel told the International Criminal Court on Wednesday that it will appeal against arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister on war crimes charges.

Israel also asked the court to suspend the warrants for Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant pending the outcome of the appeal, the prime minister's office said in a statement.

Israel army sets limits on nighttime movement in south Lebanon

The Israeli army announced restrictions Wednesday on people's movements in south Lebanon after dark, hours after a ceasefire with Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah took effect.

Residents will be barred from travelling south of the Litani River, some 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border, between 1500 GMT and 0500 GMT Thursday, military spokesman Avichay Adraee said in a post on X. They will also be barred from returning to villages the army has ordered evacuated, he added. (AFP)

Hezbollah official says group to prepare public funeral for slain chief

The deputy leader of Hezbollah's political council Mahmud Qomati said Wednesday the group was preparing an official public funeral for former chief Hassan Nasrallah, killed two months ago in an Israeli strike.

Hezbollah postponed the service "in order to organise a funeral. We are preparing for this funeral worthy" of Nasrallah, Qomati told a press conference in Beirut's southern suburbs, adding that the service would be "public and official".

Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire holds in first hours, Lebanese civilians return to south

A US and France-negotiated ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah came into effect on Wednesday. This diplomatic breakthrough stands out amidst the ongoing conflicts that have affected the Middle East for more than a year.

The Lebanese army, responsible for maintaining the ceasefire, announced its preparations to position forces in southern Lebanon. This region, along with eastern areas and Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut's southern suburbs, had faced intense Israeli bombardment during the confrontation with the Iran-supported militant group.

Military officials advised residents of border communities to postpone their return until Israeli forces, which had advanced approximately 6 km into Lebanese territory during previous conflicts with Hezbollah, complete their withdrawal.

Lebanon's caretaker PM urges Israel to commit to ceasefire, withdraw from the south

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati appealed to Israel on Wednesday to fully commit to a newly agreed ceasefire and "withdraw from all the regions and positions it occupied", hours after the truce between Israel and Hezbollah took effect.

Hamas says it is committed to cooperate with any efforts for Gaza ceasefire

Hamas said on Wednesday it was committed to cooperating with any efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, where the militant Islamist group has been battling Israeli forces for more than a year.

In a statement issued after Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon, Hamas also said any ceasefire in Gaza must put an end to the war there and lead to the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Palestinian enclave.

Hamas official says group 'appreciates' Lebanon's right to reach agreement

Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said on Wednesday the group "appreciates" Lebanon's right to reach an agreement that protects its people and it hopes for a deal to end the war in Gaza.

A ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah movement came into effect on Wednesday after both sides accepted an agreement brokered by the United States and France, but international efforts to halt the 13-month-old war between Hamas and Israel in the Palestinian territory of Gaza have stalled.

"Hamas appreciates the right of Lebanon and Hezbollah to reach an agreement that protects the people of Lebanon and we hope that this agreement will pave the way to reaching an agreement that ends the war of genocide against our people in Gaza," Abu Zuhri told Reuters.

Lebanon's speaker of parliament says war with Israel 'most dangerous phase' in country's history

The speaker of Lebanon's parliament, Nabih Berri, said on Wednesday the war with Israel had been the "most dangerous phase" his country had endured in its history, hours after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect. (Reuters)

Israel Gaza War Live Updates: Italy welcomes ceasefire agreement, PM Meloni says

Italy welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon, a goal for which the Italian government had been working for a long time, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement.

A ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed group Hezbollah came into effect on Wednesday after both sides accepted an agreement brokered by the US and France.

India welcomed the decision of ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. In its statement, the ministry of external affairs said that the decision echoed India's stance of de-escalation in the region.

"We welcome the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that has been announced. We have always called for de-escalation, restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. We hope these developments will lead to peace and stability in the wider region," the statement said.

We welcome ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon: India

Israel Gaza War Live Updates: Happy Israelis and Lebanese react to ceasefire deal

Israel Gaza War Live Updates: Hamas says 'ready' for Gaza truce after Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire

Israel Gaza War Live Updates: Health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says war death toll at 44,249

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Tuesday that at least 44,249 people have been killed in more than 13 months of war between Israel and Palestinian militants.

The toll includes 14 deaths in the previous 24 hours, according to the ministry, which said 104,746 people have been wounded in the Gaza Strip since the war began when Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, AFP reported.

Israeli army launched airstrikes late on Tuesday, targeting 20 Hezbollah sites in the Dahiyeh area of southern Beirut, a known stronghold of the militant group. "20 terrorist targets in 120 seconds: the Air Force completed attacks on 20 terrorist targets in Beirut," Israeli Air Force said in a post on X.

A US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah has gained the backing of Israeli leaders, signaling a possible end to more than a year of cross-border fighting. Hezbollah leaders have also shown tentative support for the deal, marking a critical juncture in the conflict that has displaced millions and killed thousands.

Terms of the agreement

The ceasefire, set to begin at 4 am Wednesday local time, includes a 60-day halt in hostilities. Israeli troops will retreat from southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah is expected to withdraw its fighters north of the Litani River. Thousands of Lebanese soldiers and UN peacekeepers are to be deployed in the region to ensure compliance.

President Joe Biden described the deal as a “permanent cessation of hostilities,” with an international panel, led by the US, overseeing its implementation. However, Israel insists on maintaining the right to act should Hezbollah breach the terms. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of military action if UN forces fail to enforce the agreement effectively.

Israel Gaza War Live Updates: Iran welcomes end of Israel 'aggression' in Lebanon, says foreign ministry

Iran welcomed the end of Israel's "aggression" in Lebanon, after a ceasefire deal came into force between Israel and Hezbollah, an armed group backed financially and militarily by Tehran.

"Welcoming the news" of the end of Israel's "aggression against Lebanon", foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said in a statement, stressing Iran's "firm support for the Lebanese government, nation and resistance".

Israel Gaza War Live Updates: Signs of apparent celebration in Beirut and no reported violations shortly after Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire takes effect.

Israel army warns Lebanese not to approach IDF positions after ceasefire

The Israeli army on Wednesday warned residents of south Lebanon not to approach Israel Defense Forces positions after a ceasefire between Israel and militant group Hezbollah took hold.

"With the entry into force of the ceasefire agreement and based on its provisions... you are prohibited from heading towards the villages that the IDF has ordered to be evacuated or towards IDF forces in the area," army spokesman Avichay Adraee said in a post on X.

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer issues a statement on the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese Hizbollah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with US President Joe Biden

Prime Minister of Israel tweets, "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke this evening with US President Joe Biden and thanked him for the US involvement in achieving the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and for the understanding that Israel maintains freedom of action in enforcing it."

US President Joe Biden says, "I thank President Emmanuel Macaron of France for his partnership in reaching this moment'

He further said,"Israel did not launch this war, but the Lebanese people did not seek this war either, nor did the US... I directed my teams to work with the governments of Israel and Lebanon to forge a ceasefire to bring the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah to a close. We reached a deal today, effective at 4 am (local time) tomorrow, fighting across the Lebanese and Israeli border will end. This is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities. Whatever is left of Hezbollah and other terrorist organisations will not be allowed to threaten the security of Israel again. Over the next 60 days, the Lebanese Army and state security forces will deploy and take control of their own territory once again. Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure inside Lebanon will not be allowed to be rebuilt. Israel will gradually withdraw its remaining forces... The US, with the full support of France and our other allies, has pledged to work with Israel and Lebanon to ensure that this agreement is fully implemented... If Hezbollah or anyone else breaks the deal and poses a direct threat to Israel, then Israel retains the right to self-defence consistent with the national law... The people of Gaza have suffered a lot. Hamas has refused for months and months to negotiate a good-faith ceasefire and hostage deal. Hamas now has a choice to make. Their only way out is to release the hostages including American citizens which they hold... In the coming days, the US will make another push with Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Israel and others to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza..."

Hezbollah's response

While Hezbollah has accepted the ceasefire deal in principle, it has yet to review the final agreement. A senior official with the group, Mahmoud Qamati, stated that any violation of Lebanon's sovereignty would not be tolerated. Hezbollah has continued rocket fire into northern Israel, triggering air raid sirens and further escalating the tension ahead of the ceasefire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Israel reserves the right to resume military operations if Hezbollah breaches the ceasefire, signaling that any rearmament or aggression from the group would prompt a harsh response.

As Israel and Hezbollah prepare for the truce, the fate of Gaza remains uncertain, with no clear resolution in sight for the ongoing war involving Hamas.

Continued Israeli strikes and rising tensions

Despite the ceasefire approval, Israel’s military struck several targets in Beirut and southern Lebanon, including a residential building in the central Beirut district of Basta, resulting in at least seven deaths and 37 injuries. Israel claims its strikes are aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s military infrastructure.

The escalation has fueled growing fears of a broader regional war, particularly with Iran’s involvement in supporting both Hezbollah and Hamas. However, a ceasefire in Lebanon could reduce the likelihood of direct conflict between Israel and Iran, which has already engaged in skirmishes with Israeli forces earlier this year.

Israel approves US-brokered ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah amid continued strikes

Israel’s security Cabinet approved a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah on Tuesday, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the broader regional conflict sparked by Hamas' attack on Israel in October 2023. The ceasefire deal, brokered by the United States, is seen as the first major step toward easing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, though it does not address the ongoing and devastating war in Gaza.

Despite the agreement, Israel’s military continued its intense campaign in Lebanon, carrying out its heaviest strikes in Beirut and its southern suburbs in the hours leading up to the Cabinet meeting. At least 24 people were killed across Lebanon, and the airstrikes prompted record evacuation warnings, signaling Israel’s intent to deal a final blow to Hezbollah before the ceasefire is implemented.

Ceasefire Terms and Conditions-

The deal calls for an initial two-month halt in hostilities, during which Hezbollah would be required to cease its armed presence in southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. In exchange, Hezbollah fighters would pull back north of the Litani River, which lies about 30 kilometers from the Israeli border.

An international monitoring panel, led by the United States, will be set up to ensure both sides comply with the terms. U.N. peacekeepers and Lebanese troops are also expected to bolster their presence in the southern region.

Biden announces US-French brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah

President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced a ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, marking a significant step toward ending over a year of cross-border fighting. The agreement, brokered by the United States and France, will go into effect at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday, as confirmed by Biden in a televised address from the White House.

Biden called the ceasefire “good news,” describing it as a “permanent cessation of hostilities” designed to end the ongoing war between the two sides. The ceasefire was approved by Israel's security Cabinet late Tuesday in a 10-1 vote, signaling Israel’s commitment to the deal. The statement from the Israeli prime minister’s office highlighted that while Israel values the US contribution, it reserves the right to act if security threats arise.

While Hezbollah has yet to comment, Lebanon’s government—whose approval is essential for the deal—was scheduled to meet Wednesday to discuss the terms of the agreement. The ceasefire includes a 60-day truce, during which Israeli forces will withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah fighters will relocate north of the border. The United States, France, and the United Nations will oversee the agreement’s implementation.

The Biden administration hopes the truce will pave the way for a lasting peace, after months of escalating violence that has killed over 3,000 Lebanese and 70 Israelis, and displaced hundreds of thousands in both countries. This ceasefire is seen as an opportunity to address broader regional stability in the Middle East.

Key provisions of the ceasefire deal

• Israeli troops to withdraw: Israel has agreed to pull out its forces from southern Lebanon within 60 days. The Lebanese government had initially pushed for a quicker withdrawal, and now expects Israeli troops to vacate the area within the first month. This will allow civilians displaced by the conflict to begin returning to their homes.
• Hezbollah's withdrawal: Hezbollah fighters will retreat from their positions in southern Lebanon, relocating north of the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers from the Israeli border. The group’s military infrastructure will be dismantled, though the specifics of this process remain unclear.
• Lebanese army deployment: In the wake of Hezbollah’s withdrawal, the Lebanese army will deploy around 5,000 soldiers to the south of the Litani River, establishing 33 posts along the border with Israel. The Lebanese military will also oversee the return of displaced civilians, many of whom fled during the Israeli airstrikes.

Israel and Hezbollah agree to ceasefire in US-brokered 60-day truce

A ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah will take effect early Wednesday, following the announcement of a U.S.-brokered deal aimed at halting more than a year of conflict. The agreement, which President Joe Biden said seeks a permanent cessation of hostilities, has been approved by Israel’s security cabinet and welcomed by Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati. Hezbollah, which signed off on the deal last week, has also agreed to its terms.

The U.S. negotiated agreement, which remains unpublished, is set to begin at 4 a.m. local time (0200 GMT) on Wednesday, with both sides expected to cease hostilities by morning. The agreement stipulates a halt to military operations from both Israel and Hezbollah, with Israel committing to cease attacks on Lebanese territory, including civilian and military targets.